In 1990, the U.S. Congress established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI’s efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since then, mental health advocates across the country have joined with others in their communities to sponsor activities, large or small, for public education about mental illness.
Why is MIAW important?
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. During the first full week of October, NAMI and participants across the country are bringing awareness to mental illness. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care. Each year, the movement grows stronger.
We believe that these issues are important to address year round, but highlighting these issues during Mental Illness Awareness Week provides a time for people to come together and display the passion and strength of those working to improve the lives of the tens of millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Please join NAMI Vermont at one of our “Mental Illness and Recovery” workshops on October 25th from 9-4 pm in Newport, Montpelier, and Brattleboro. This workshop is available for any community member who wants to learn more about mental illness and the resources available in your area. NAMI Vermont is collaborating with each of the local Designated Agencies in the area to host the event at their facility. If you can’t attend any of these workshops, please visit our website and look for future workshops that may be more convenient for you to attend. You can register online at www.namivt.org or call 802-244-1396 to learn more and register.
If you or someone you know is seeking support, join one of our Family Support Groups or Connection Recovery Support Groups. Each meeting if facilitated by trained NAMI volunteers who have lived experience as a family member or individual living with mental illness. Visit our website at www.namivt.org to find a support group near you.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont (NAMI Vermont) is the state chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Through the dedicated efforts of grassroots leaders, NAMI focuses on three cornerstones of activity: Support, Education and Advocacy.
